Christine Matthews - How to Make and Decorate Cookies

How to Make and Decorate Cookies Christine Matthews Copyright 2014 Also by Christine Matthews T his eBook is copyrighted with all rights reserved. The author does not assume any liability for the misuse of information contained herein.

The information contained within this eBook is offered for entertainment purposes only. The author does not assume any responsibility for the accuracy or misuse of any information contained herein. While every attempt has been made to provide information that is both accurate and proven effective, the author and the publisher make no guarantees that the information presented herein will help everyone in every situation. The author assumes no liabilities for any use, misuse (or weight gain!) as a result of information within this eBook. Also by Christine Matthews

H ow many times did you walk in the door from school as a kid and see a plate of cookies sitting on the counter, waiting for you? Hopefully at least a few times, since cookies are such a fun snack to have as a kid. Cookies are one of the few desserts that are relatively easy to make, even if you are a novice baker.

To bake up a batch of cookies, you simply need a few tools, the right recipe and the corresponding ingredients to get started. If you dont have a favorite recipe yet, there are many basic cookie recipes included in this book to get you started. Luckily, cookie recipes dont have to be fussy or fancy in order to taste delicious. And with so many cookie recipes to choose from, there is bound to be at least a few to catch your eye. Cookies can be classified in to a few different categories, including drop cookies or shaped cookies. Dropped cookies are when the dough is dropped by a spoon on to the cookie sheet and baked.

The composition of the dough will allow it to spread during the baking process. These cookies are usually just eaten (when cooled) as is with no other work required. Shaped cookies take another step to prepare. The dough is formed in to a log and chilled so it can be sliced later and baked or else rolled out. When it is rolled out, then cookie cutters are needed to get the desired shape. The cookie cutters could simply be a circle or a square or they could be for a holiday or a theme.

Sugar cookies and gingerbread people are the most common types of cookie that require a cutter, but there are also many, many other kinds too. So, are you ready to bake some cookies? Excellent! Lets head to the kitchen and get you started on making up a batch to have for a snack today!

W hen making a basic batch of cookies is all you want to do, then you only need a few specialized pieces of equipment: cookie sheets and a hand mixer. Measuring cups and spoons will hopefully already be in your kitchen to go along with your other cooking. If you plan on making a lot of cookies or the decorated types, then you will require a few more tools. Mixer A hand mixer will work with any type of bowl to mix up dough. A stand mixer with an attached bowl will also come in useful if you want to make double or large batches of cookies.

One of these types of mixers is needed for cookies as it is hard to blend the ingredients by hand with a spoon. It can be done, however, just realize it will take much longer and more effort on your part. Cookie Sheets The cookie sheet comes in so many different varieties, from non-stick to one with sides to a giant sized one to mini-sized ones. Have at least three cookie sheets that will hold one dozen cookies on them so you can have one in the oven, one cooling and one you are putting the next batch of cookies on. Spoons, Spatulas Drop cookies simply need a teaspoon or a tablespoon from your cutlery drawer. If you prefer to have uniform cookies, then an ice cream scooper or a melon baller also work.

Spatulas are required to scrape the dough from the sides of the bowl and get it mixed in with the mixer you have. Measuring Devices To follow the recipe accurately, you will need measuring cups and measuring spoons. Any style will work, from plastic to metal to glass. Decorating Tools Depending on what type of cookie you make you might require some tools to add frosting or embellishments on it. A butter knife or a small spreader will work to get frosting on an entire cookie service.

D rop cookies are very easy to make. D rop cookies are very easy to make.

When you are in a hurry, they are also a good choice because you simply mix up the dough and drop by spoonfuls on to a cookie sheet for baking. There isnt an extra step of rolling the cookies in to balls or shaping in to a log. Drop cookies can have additions like chocolate chips, fruit, nuts and even candy included. There are a lot of yummy options when it comes to drop cookie recipes, so start baking!

I ngredients: 2 c sugar c cocoa c milk Pinch of salt Directions: Melt the ingredients in a large saucepan or even a small pot. Bring the mix to a rolling boil and stir for 2 minutes. Add 1 stick of butter and melt.

Remove from the heat. Add: 1 tsp vanilla 1/3 c peanut butter 2/3 c quick oats Stir until mixed and then drop by tablespoons on to a sheet of waxed paper. They will begin setting right away, so you will need to work fast. Let them cool and then transfer to a sealed container.

I ngredients: 1 stick butter 1 c brown sugar 1 c sugar 3 eggs 12 oz peanut butter 2 tsp baking soda 4 c oatmeal 2/3 c chocolate chips 2/3 c M&Ms 2 tbsp vanilla Directions: In a mixing bowl, mix the butter, sugars and eggs. Add the remaining ingredients and stir until combined.

Drop by teaspoons on to an ungreased cookie sheet. Bake at 350 degrees for 10 minutes or until the edges are set. Remove to cooling racks. Stir in an airtight container.

I ngredients: 1 c butter, softened 1 c sugar 1 c brown sugar 1 tsp vanilla tsp salt 3 eggs 3 c flour 2 tsp baking soda 2 tsp cream of tartar 1 pkg Heath toffee bits Directions: Mix butter, sugars, vanilla and salt. Add the eggs and beat well.